Celebrating 20 Seasons of the Iconic Show The Big Three

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin Reflect on Historic Teammate Bond

As they prepare to kick off the 2025-26 NHL season, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin share a nostalgic look back at their early days as teammates, highlighting the unique bond that has propelled them into the record books. This season marks an extraordinary milestone for Crosby, Malkin, and fellow Pittsburgh Penguins teammate Kris Letang, who will become the longest-tenured trio of teammates in major North American sports history.

From Rookie Season to Record Holders

In their first season together, Crosby, who finished his rookie campaign with an impressive 102 points, reminisces about a light-hearted moment with Malkin. He recalls a moment in the 2006-07 season when he mistakenly thought he would continue to go last in the lineup. “I didn’t even think about it, was about to go out, and Geno was still standing there,” Crosby explained. “There’s a little bit of a language barrier, but not a ton when it comes to that. I could tell that he wanted to go last.”

This friendly back-and-forth showcased Malkin’s experience, having spent three years in Russia’s Super League, which made him determined to stick to his routine. Despite Crosby’s attempts at playful tactics like “rock-paper-scissors,” Malkin stood firm, a humorous anecdote that underlines the chemistry between the two stars.

The Legacy of ‘The Big Three’

At Madison Square Garden, Crosby, Malkin, and Letang will mark their place in history as they take the ice together for the 20th season. They join an elite group of only 38 players across the NHL, NBA, MLB, and NFL who have played two decades with a single team, with Crosby, Malkin, and Letang being the only trio to achieve this milestone concurrently.

Celebrating the Unique Friendship and Team Spirit

Reflecting on their longstanding partnership, Crosby expressed deep gratitude. “It’s rare, and it’s definitely special,” he noted. “You don’t see that very often in hockey, let alone any sport. I feel really grateful and fortunate to play with these guys for such a long time and to create some fantastic memories together.”

Malkin echoed this sentiment, stating, “I always say it’s a dream to play with the same guys together forever, you know?” This mutual respect and camaraderie have been pivotal in the Penguins’ success over the years, including their three Stanley Cup championships. As they embark on this new season, the anticipation builds for what new memories are to come for this legendary trio.

• Historic milestone for Crosby, Malkin, and Letang as longest-tenured trio in North American sports.
• Crosby reflects on humorous beginnings with Malkin during their rookie years.
• Only three players in history to play 20 seasons for one team concurrently.
• Grateful sentiments expressed by both Crosby and Malkin about their enduring friendship.

As the NHL season begins, all eyes will be on the Pittsburgh Penguins, eager to witness the next chapter in the legacy of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang. Fans can look forward to celebrating their remarkable journey together on and off the ice.